Home Studio Recording Equipment: Home Music Studio Essentials

[@MusicRepo]

My favourite recording gear is here! (Affiliate links) Amazon: www.amazon.com/shop/musicrepo Sweetwater: sweetwater.sjv.io/deals (As an Amazon and Sweetwater Affiliate I earn a commission for qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. This helps support my channel. Thank you )

[@jakubkonieczny4028]

Hi, I've got a problem with my Yamaha dgx 660 and I have no idea how to fix it :( . I bought this keyboard few days ago, mainly to record its sound on any kind of music composing app ( I've got f. ex. fl studio, mixpad).I've connected my keyboard through the USB B cabel, and my PC didn't have any problem with detecting it. Then I've installed USB-MIDI Driver V3.1.4 for Win, from the official Yamaha site and I thought everything should be working properly now. When I opened up FL studio and set up all needed options for my device I started playing on my keyboard. And the problem is, that when I play on my keyboard ( for example I chose to play strings), the response in fl studio is the drum sound, which is one of the basic sounds in this app. The thing is, that I don't want to play with sounds from (in this case) FL Studio, because otherwise I wouldn't spend so much money on my keyboard, which has much better sounds than FL studio has. The other app - mixpad, suggests that I would have to install some kind of "VST plugins" to play original sound from my keyboard "live" on computer. ( but I don't get it, cause I don't want to install any sounds from the internet - I do have them already on my keyboard) I got even more confused, when I downloaded MIDI-OX and THERE IS a response on the screen on my computer with the sound ( the exact sound that I chose on my keyboard). I seriously have no idea how to fix this problem, because I am very much new to those things, but I am really desperate to find the solution. Otherwise I would not spend so much money on this Yamaha :(. I really hope, you will give me some help on how to deal with this problem, I would be mostly flattered. Regards!

[@MusicRepo]

@@jakubkonieczny4028 I don't own this keyboard, so I'm not an expert in how it works, but it seems you want to record the SOUND of your keyboard. By connecting a computer to the USB TO HOST terminal on the Yamaha DGX660, you can transfer data between the instrument and the computer via MIDI, which you already seem to have done. However, this is not transmitting any SOUNDS only control data. Which is why you seem to be controlling a drum instrument in FL Studio. You are doing it using MIDI. If you want to record the SOUND of your keyboard, you will need to take a signal from the audio/phones output on the rear of the keyboard, and connect to the line inputs of an audio interface, that way you will be able to record what you hear on the keyboard. You'll find a number of posts on my site about recording your keyboard, but you maybe should start with this one www.musicrepo.com/what-is-midi/

[@fredashay]

I wish they would make Garage Band for Linux and Windows, too!

[@VistyB]

This is the GOLD standard for simple yet immensely useful videos. I came across these just last week and have been devouring them one after another. Each one is a gem: clear, concise and impeccably illustrated.

[@frederickr.jr.guthrie6237]

Hello from Nashville, Tennessee! I have been wanting to get back into recording for so long, but, the technology was such a barrier, until I saw one of your videos. I can't thank you enough. Your videos are so helpful! Rickie

[@aliaydnaltunkan-motomottom5237]

While searching for information on the internet, I saw your page by chance and watched your video and then continued to watch many of your videos. your every video is very helpful. thank you.

[@wolframflorian]

I'm recording at home for a while now, so there was little new information to me, but THIS is THE reference video i recommend to everyone who asks me, what she or he needs for home-recording! So in the name of everyone getting started: Thank you!

[@matthewburnett4992]

Heavens, thank you so much for your video series. I am an old Salt musician, 48 years at the piano and counting, but this is my first sojourn into having a well-equipped studio of my own. Your videos have been a Godsend, Jane. I will be re-watching and re-watching them, and I am just so grateful for all of your work and inspiration for us home studio toddlers! There was never space in the farmhouse back in Stonehaven, but now, here in Maine, USA, I have finally reached the point where I can begin pursuing my own Podcasting, basic recording, and online teaching(your "online teaching" setup vid is brilliant BTW! ChrodieApp changed the entire game!!!). Your series is the most comprehensive, most sincerely accessible, and the most fun I have found Anywhere. I know you are egregiously busy with your own projects, but may I reach out to you occasionally for clarification or more detail from time to time? If not I fully and respectfully understand. Humble beginnings for me! I don't have any delusions of grandeur by any stretch, but thank you so much for all of this fantastic information!!! Matthew

[@MusicRepo]

Thanks for your kind words, and good luck :)

[@denniswilson5384]

Jane, thank you for all of your hard work and effort in making these great videos.

[@genekelly3961]

Such a well-presented overview of hardware/software needed for setting up a home music studio.

[@amandadangerfieldpiano]

I'm a pianist/composer and I want to thank you for your channel! Also love that this video has zero dislikes and 311 likes.

[@rafaelgomez1989]

You are THR BEST on you tube....you deserve ...6 M SUBS !!!!!

[@MusicRepo]

Maybe one day! Thanks

[@rafaelgomez1989]

@@MusicRepo Well you are an AWESOME MENTOR.....thank you !!!!

[@vincenzofiorentini8002]

Just discovered your channel - a gold mine ! thank for your work.

[@Flossy_tops]

I’m new to home recording and your videos are a great way for learning and understanding what I need.... A massive Thumbs up 👍

[@cliveankiewicz9114]

I would like to thank you very much for the difference I have found in my music . you explained how to slow down my music by using change tempo & this has made my singing so more professional. I have subscribed because I enjoy the way you take a person slowly through the motions.Thank you again, I'm so pleased.

[@MusicRepo]

🙏

[@muhammadirhamshaari4568]

I found this channel is very helpful and understandable for beginners like me. Thank you for your incredible tutorial Jane 😁

[@MusicRepo]

Glad it was helpful!

[@addisonbeverly8406]

What if I just need to set up a karaoke system? Would I need a mixer or an audiointerface?

[@Vicnsi]

Hi Jane. I'm a big fan of your incredibly helpful videos, going back four years. Your persuasion is what encouraged me to finally take the plunge and get my very first Audio Interface for my keyboard. (No more fussing about with the low-quality integrated sound-card interface on my computer!) Thank you so much, you're truly awesome.

[@MusicRepo]

Thank you 🙏

[@theguynextdoor4822]

Thank you. I’ve been watching a few of your videos. They are indeed very informative with a great layout, never boring, great editing. Keep the good work. Cheers

[@virtuecommunication2003]

You are just simply the nicest, thanks to your video tutorials.. it made me picked up where i left.. i bought a scarlett 2i2 a year ago, and it’s been in the box eversince, because it’s so hard for me to setup that to record vocals, and how to connect my digital piano which just have midi inputs to scarlett.. I’m really new to digital recording, and have problems with technical terms (bcause i’m not a native eng speaker), like cables names and everything.. thanks for clearing this out, and all the hardwork that you’ve done to help others. I’m really grateful that i found your videos today.. Gbu mam ❤️

[@MusicRepo]

Thanks good luck with your recording endeavours 👍

[@georgewhite8004]

Fantastic video, thanks for all the really straightforward explanations of what hardware is needed to start recording your own music. Great work.

[@crockerrange7149]

Many thanks for this informative video, easy to follow follow

[@MusicRepo]

You are welcome! 🙏

[@TheK7aloha]

This is halarious! My phone is TOTALLY a listening to me! Thank you... this info is just what I need right now!

[@emoj9985]

Your videos are sooooooo useful .. .

[@dontbe2silly]

This is yet another excellent video from you 👏👏

[@MusicRepo]

Thanks! 🙏

[@aimie5230]

Helped a lot. Been struggling setting up my home music studio.

[@raymondstewart6310]

Great info, thank you for the tips 👌

[@colinwhite4439]

I have watched your videos with interest how do I connect my speakers to my keyboard and use my audio interface to record without getting distortion please

[@nelsonferrera4781]

Is there a way for me to listen and witness how some of these instruments pls and sound? Are you doing any showing and where?

[@mwarariwatamu]

Thank you for sharing

[@suerouse-ottonelli6931]

Would like your ideas on what audio interface for recordimg saxaphone ... I plan on using a microphone ..a AKG c414 XLS

[@11kwright]

Can you do a setup with some of the newer evolved equipment out there as literally, NO ONE has done it. A setup using the Soundcraft Signature Mixer 12 MTK plugged into MacBook Pro 2020 and Arturia Keylab 88, Ashton Spirit Mic (or alike) and KRK Classic 5 speakers (or alike) all hooked up to the Soundcraft using Apple's "Garageband". Everywhere always uses the "Focusrite" and just a mike for a pod, singing, or Focusrite with guitar or Focusrite with keyboard never the whole shebang with a mixer and apple software. Also, when using speakers the hookup is always TRS (three-pin) to XLR cable never exploring the connection of XLR (m) to XLR (f) plugin to speaker and Mixer. It's always done with an angle that people buying this equipment have some knowledge rather than perhaps they have the talent but not the knowledge and want to make a career out of it but need help with setting up equipment. I've tried looking everywhere and literally there is no help when it comes to this extent. Perhaps this is too much of a challenge for people but is definitely needed. Please is there any help out there in the universe!!!

[@shaannnnn]

big thumbs up.thank you.

[@georgebowman1060]

Good 👍 stuff 👏.

[@theJBGary]

so helpful for my start. I got behind the technology the past couple years. I am a singer/songwriter with a small home studio. I'm trying to decide to make the conversion to computer based recording, performing or to stay with my equipment and just re-familiarize myself with it. I have a multi track digital recorder, acoustic guitar, drum machine, and other. I have a behringer mixer which I just got. It doesnt appear to have effects tho. so I have lots of questions. I need to pick up a stand alone small but powerful pa, wireless mic. how can you help? I am ready to get out there on my own at least until I can get a small band together. thank you.

[@MusicRepo]

Hi, your best bet would be to call up your local store and talk to them about your needs.

[@anachevere]

Great vídeos 👏👏👏👍👍👍 I just got my self a new iPad Pro 12,9 2020 and would love to keep using my MOTU 896 (what is FireWire) maybe a bit old but I LOVE the sound quality. Would I be able to connect it with this new usb-c connector? Thanks 🙏

[@kurtisbaylor4322]

Hi Jane I Have a DAW a DP- 24 sd can you help me on transferring exporting my tracks to a computer and send the file to be mixed and Mastered, I' heard we was a good source but that's my third step love your videos!

[@aimie5230]

I wish I could also buy these kind of expensive devices. 😍

[@shejarbista7725]

Ma'am, I've been watching your videos which inspire me a lot.Thanks so much for for your suggestions and ideas. I love music and have been working in this field. I have a small set up. Could you please, help me to how can I build budget vocal booth?

[@rtchow3000]

hello jane, i got great information from your video. i'm a newbie for making a recording attempt with my Honer chromatic harmonica. i tried just straight recording with the iPhone and the Sam Sung android. the sound quality is very bad, too much high pitch, not the same beautiful sound when playback the song. i have purchased a Behringer two-line-in interface with two gains as showed in your video. also, i got the microphone stand so i won't have to move the mic as i blow the harmonica. i want to make a CD or free online harmonica songs. it will be just a harmonica instrument but may use the piano in the background. i don't like to use the syn keyboard. i have a surround sound speaker and an amplifier. i really like to record the music internally through the amp by the microphone. only the piano will be external as background music. this means i will need to make sure no noise during the recording session with the piano. should i record one song at a time and dub to the CD or would it change the sound quality. thanks again for this video. bob

[@addisonbeverly8406]

What if I just need to set up a karaoke system? Would I need a mixer or an audiointerface?

[@ellenkhorava4227]

thanks a lot, very useful and easy to ubderstand❤️

[@MusicRepo]

Happy to hear that! 🙏

[@willberriss5314]

Thanks for you great reviews of monitor speakers and headphones! I got the KRK Rokit 5 Generation 4 Powered Studio Monitor G4 speakers which sound amazing on my computer/audio interface. Never heard such good sound coming from my computer before. :) And for headphones I got the closed back Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphones: they are great! You can hear so much detail with them: I just listened to a song by Cavetown (who is great with audio production I think) and I could hear some interesting sounds I'd not heard before.

[@MusicRepo]

Hi, you got the same as me. Both excellent I agree 😀

[@lyndagarcia5291]

I am a classically trained keyboardist trying to break into jazz using several rackmounts. I do not know what DAW to begin with...I used the Korg Triton for years and produced on it, now I have it on a rack plus a motif. Can you please give me some suggestions about what type of keyboard is compatible to play with my racks? I noticed some keyboards have interface also. I would like the keys to be touch sensitive but similar to an acoustic, maybe a little lighter for allegro playing plus it needs to be light in weight. I haul everything to my car for gigs. Maybe you can make a video and let me know when... Thank you for your expertise.

[@Cahaya100]

You are The Best !!!!! I love your voice and the way you explain everything. I wish you all the best and getting richer everyday. You are awesome and the BEST!! I am the beginner for recording Indoor and outdoor. I do everything my self. I have some questions on your other video. I hope you see it and share your knowledge with me by answering my questions. My plan is making my own blog as a singing musician, using iPad or iPhone or MacBook Pro, audio interface, guitar amp, loop pedal, mix12fx (no usb), 2 speakers out. I’d like to record and video at the same time like you do, but plan to do it indoor and outdoor with all the equipments I have. Please help and THANK YOU FOR YOUR KINDNESS.

[@johnbushell2988]

I have a launchkey 49 mk3 keyboard which has x1 usb and x1 midi out connectors and want to connect it to the presonus 26C audio interface, but I’m not sure what cable I need, and was hoping you could help. I will also be contacting the audio interface via USB-C to my laptop then plugging x2 TRS cables from the interface to a pair of Presonus monitor speakers. Any advice would be greatly appreciated

[@denisdanny4069]

Very good video. Can help me with equipment for room studio used headphones, microphone, filter pop, condenser.

[@deedee5502]

Hi do you have any tips for somebody who wants to record themselves singing and playing an acoustic piano at the same time?

[@davidsmusic]

Thank you so much for such a great video, how could be the equipment to record a saxophone, I play tenor sax and actually I try to record in garage band using a mic for dslr camera but I can’t get a good quality. I don’t know if I need an interface or something else. I am enjoying watch your videos, they make me learn a lot. Regards from Germany

[@peterdanyliuk776]

Thank you for your great info into home recording. I just started posting KZbin videos playing a quality Kawai Digital Piano with lots of interfaces. However, setup is very basic. Dual output audio cable from piano to line-in on PC with Logitech USB Webcam 600 and basic Windows 10 / Camera software. Video quality is OK and Audio is just OK. How can I improve my setup and results using an integrated solution of low cost hardware and software. Your KZbin videos (video and audio) look and sound great. Thanks again . . .

[@dylanashley25]

Hi, I would like to know how I can record my drums via audacity. I have a digital mixer to record my drums. When I record them on audacity I am not able to sync both drums and audio together. Could you please help me solve this problem?

[@kenday56]

Hi - although I've had a home studio for years, it's now time to bring my equipment up to date and start using my recently bought well specced laptop and to go down the DAW route!! - Your videos have been brilliant in explaining the equipment and basics for me so thank you! I've just ordered a Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 interface and can't wait to get going!! - I have a question please ... all the videos on home recording are great, but I haven't found one yet that deals with mixing down the recording to a final master within the DAW and burning this onto a CD. I want to record my own songs (vocal / guitar / keyboard) and I also want to record my 15 strong singing group, hopefully producing CD's to sell (for charity) at our concerts. Can I assume that this is a relatively simple process for a 'newbie' like me, and do the free DAW's that come with Focusrite facilitate this? Thanks!!

[@jimlee5490]

Hi, my name is Jim, I am a new beginner, I would like to try setup a package for my laptop built up karaoke, use down load music, and singing from youtube music, & make sure have Echo too, I can buy FOCUSRIT Brand and try to get wireless Microphone too, hope you understand my question, Thank You very much.

[@planetyesmusic]

Thank you, very, very useful!

[@robertejercito1609]

Can you tell me the best free drum apps that you demo before? Thanks

[@rjb7569]

Good intro level stuff...those of us a little further up the food chain could use a little more detailed information, perhaps comparing the quality of converters and/or specs that a higher (hence, more expensive) interface should have.

[@ceelo3998]

Impressive overview in 12 minutes. I have a zoom recorder that I can use an an audio interface and though I had an idea for which mic I like best from yr reviews, I'm thinking that I need a wireless system and either a headset or lapel mic. Looking at prices, it's either Rode for budget but I'm not impressed with sound at all. So, do I need to make a big investment. Shure, Sennheiser...? I'm basically looking at $350-600. And then that doesn't even promise a good mic... Hmm. advice?

[@MusicRepo]

Glad it was helpful! I haven't done much with wireless ... so don't feel qualified to recommend anything specific. This is quite a useful guide as a starting point imp.i114863.net/54JB9

[@johnknowles9010]

Thank you for the effort you have taken to make recording clear for beginners. One thing though, there seems to be no mention of audio mixers, though you do use one in your zoom video. Could you please explain? My guess is that there are two approaches to making a studio recording: the interface is for people who plan to do a lot of work in post recording and so need separate tracks for each instrument, while the mixer is for people who want to get the optimal sound in real time, such as a performance, and so don't need to have a separate track for each instrument. But in the zoom video you have both!

[@MusicRepo]

Hi, yes, you are right, a mixer is great for combining several things at once, but you will only get one stereo recording. The Zoom video is for a different thing ... to help a music teacher who needs to share both their voice (for instruction) and keyboard. A mixer is ideal for that.

[@johnknowles9010]

@@MusicRepo That makes perfect sense, thanks. But why do you use both the mixer and the interface, rather than just plug the mixer directly into the USB port? In other words if you run all your audio (mike and piano) into the mixer, then do you really need the interface?

[@MusicRepo]

Yes, I need an interface because my mixer is only an analog mixer. As an alternative, you could use a mixer with USB interface built in. Mine doesn't have that

[@AnimationAirlines]

i know we can connect a usb to store recorded music. but how to connect a tab/phone to a keyboard. the keyboard wont detect your phone as a storage device. please let me know if you know a way

[@MusicRepo]

IK Multimedia make a range of devices and connectors for tablet and phone, take a look, for example, at the iRig MIDI 2 (affiliate link) fave.co/2N4dDOp

[@DOMINASIMEDIACREATIVE]

may you make a tutorial mixing midi drum pleasee!!

[@jirkar3570]

Jane, I have just found your tutorials. You are a genius! Well explained and great videos to go along. BTW, is there any good free Autotune plug-in - GSnap or KeroVee? My singing needs any help it can get… lol. I use Audacity and Windows 8.1. Also, recording myself singing with guitar - am I better off with 1 mic or 2 different tracks? Thanks and cheers from Melbourne, Australia.

[@MusicRepo]

Hi, I don't know about free Autotune. Sorry. If you have a decent microphone, no reason why one mic can't be used to record both vocals and guitar. 2 mics, or 1 mic plus the 1/4 inch out of guitar will give more options ... but in first instance one good mic should suffice

[@jirkar3570]

@@MusicRepo Thanks for taking the time to reply. Much appreciated. Keep safe, J

[@neotv4K]

thank u thank u foe this video god bless n surscrued

[@mrbuttion]

I could use some help I'm not really sure if I need an audio interface, or a mixer. I would like to put a lapel microphone on 6 different people to record us pay board games and I can not find for the life of me something I can attach 6, 3.5mm inputs and one of the same out put.

[@MusicRepo]

Hmm, this is not something I've done. Most mixers mic inputs are XLR not 3.5mm A quick look around it would seem there are quite a few wireless systems for multiple lavalier mics you might be best looking at one of those possibly? Some are geared around working with a smartphone 🤔 Or, I wonder if something like this would help? www.amazon.com/Microphone-Splitter-Y-Connector-Microphones-Headphone/dp/B07WV8932J/

[@mrbuttion]

@@MusicRepo thank you for your response, the connector cable will help a lot. I was actually think of using 6.35mm for for the microphones I found a wireless lapel microphone that uses it. I was in the space yesterday and thought I might just need one shotgun microphone.

[@MusicRepo]

@@mrbuttion yes, one mic set on Omni to pick up everyone might do the trick much easier ...

[@mrbuttion]

@@MusicRepo after the week I put in I did end up finding this: www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01CRY6CR6/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A2ZC7E4Y61QX0W&psc=1

[@daveking8419]

I keep getting an error message when I try to link to your site Error code: SEC_ERROR_OCSP_OLD_RESPONSE

[@daveking8419]

A clear out of the cache and a restart of Windows seems to have fixed it thanks. Great videos by the way. Many thanks. @@MusicRepo

[@glamaya]

Mixer Boards? hmm

[@ratnadeepkamble619]

tnx

[@garantiertproberaum]

Hey! Voll gut! Und wie Ihr easy und günstig im eigenen Keller einen schalldichten Proberaum/Aufnahmeraum baut findet Ihr hier! @​​

[@chuck5085]

I have 2 high quality USB mic's. Will it be fine to use an adaptor to plug them into an XLR input? And thank you so much for your very helpful tutorial's.